Montreal Canadiens Open Season Against Toronto Maple Leafs

After a lengthy training camp, the Montreal Canadiens are set to inaugurate their regular season tonight at the Bell Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens’ assistant coach, Stéphane Robidas, rallied the team with the words, “Why not us? Why not now?”, as they prepared for the commencement of the 2024-2025 season.

The sentiment shared by Robidas echoes the team’s ambitions of reaching the playoffs after an 82-game regular season. Head coach Martin St-Louis emphasized the importance of focusing on team efforts amidst external challenges, “It’s always the group against the world, no matter who – the opponents, the media – we need to block it all out and focus on what we’re doing,” he stated.

The Canadiens’ players are keen to transition from being seen as a team in rebuilding mode to contenders for major titles. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle noted the underdog label some have given them but expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, “A lot of people think we’re underdogs, but we don’t feel that way. We believe in ourselves. We’ll be ready,” said Guhle.

Samuel Montembeault has been named the starting goaltender for the Canadiens. Meanwhile, Quebec native Alex Barré-Boulet, who secured his spot following a standout training camp, will experience a special moment playing his first game in the blue, white, and red uniform in front of family and friends. “I’m excited. I’ve often dreamt of this moment. It’s going to be very special to have my family, my wife, and my children there,” expressed the 27-year-old forward.

Michael Pezzetta and Oliver Kapanen were noted as surplus forwards, and defenseman Jayden Struble‘s health is under daily evaluation as he missed the regular practice with the team.

Conversely, the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss Joseph Woll due to a minor injury, and Anthony Stolarz will start between the pipes. Head coach Craig Berube explained Woll’s absence is precautionary after experiencing “lower body stiffness”. Dennis Hildeby, called up as a reinforcement, will serve as backup.

Stolarz, aged 30, joined the Maple Leafs in the offseason after serving as Sergei Bobrovsky‘s backup at the Florida Panthers last season. He brings with him a strong performance record, with a goals-against average of 2.03 and a save percentage of .925 over 27 games.

Despite Woll’s absence, the Maple Leafs’ lineup remains strong with players like Knies, Matthews, and Marner leading the forefront against the Canadiens in this season’s opening game.